ColinBarber

If you use the 'gears' it actually turns over the petrol engine to provide additional engine braking, it wouldn't overheat the generator - it would disable the generator if the temp went too high and you would get an over temp error code - there are many temp. sensors all over the hybrid system. First thing to check is to make sure your 12v battery is ok. You get some strange faults if that is playing up. If the display went blank it sounds more like an electrical / computer issue rather than something with the high voltage hybrid components. Maybe the software running in the system got corrupted in memory / bug etc. This could have triggered the error which then may have triggered a fail safe mode, then once you cleared the error it was ok again? Pure speculation on my part, without any other error messages it is difficult to understand what happened. These may have been some freeze frame data stored along with the error code but that has probably been cleared when you reset the error. I think the only thing you can do is check out the 12v battery, may be disconnect it to reset everything and wait to see if any faults reoccur.

There are a few options. Cassette adapter / FM radio transmitter are cheap solutions. Otherwise a Vaistech unit which connects into the SatNav/Stereo and emulates a mini-disc/CD changer. There are various models to support iPod/Android/Aux in. I'd probably go with Aux in along with the bluetooth device posted above. You get limited control through the stereo/steering wheel so better to just select tracks using the phone (in a handsfree holder). Vaistech units are expensive. There are other manufacturers too, Grom for example, but these don't seem to be that reliable. You end up having to turn the ignition system off/on sometimes to get the unit to be recognised by the vehicle. I had a Vaistech in my GS430. Then in my RX400h I had a Grom for a few months before throwing it out and getting another Vais unit.

Hi Giles, unfortunately the series II GS doesn't have anything so simple. The braking system consists of a master cylinder/booster assembly which contains the fluid header tank, valve body, an electric pump, a high pressure gas accumulator, a pressure sensor, an actuator/solenoid valve body (black box on the side of the booster assembly), and a separate ECU controlling the ABS/VSC function. I would not expect a breakers to try and separate any of those components. You want a complete unit as shown in the link I posted. The pre face-lift system (1998 to Aug 2000) have a weak pump (not 100% confirmed as it could be a leak in the accumulator or faulty pressure sensor) which fails resulting in a loss of ABS and VSC along with a continuous alarm going off in the cabin. This isn't the problem in this particular case, sounds like one of the solenoids has burnt out. The Oct 2000 vehicles don't seem to suffer this issue, the valve body was upgraded and maybe a new pump was also used too.

the normal fault is the ABS pump but that doesn't guarantee you have that issue, certainly not without knowing the error codes and symptoms. ABS pump / modulator combined would be the safest choice which would look like the following: http://www.2040parts.com/98-05-gs300-gs400-gs430-anti-lock-abs-brake-pump-module-controller-cylinder-i650758/

This shows compatibility - GXE10 is the AS200 which is the Toyota Altezza, basically the same as the Lexus IS200. http://www.bee-r.com/main/parts/revlimi/line_t.htm I wouldn't recommend an ignition cut rev limiter for a road car. Unburnt fuel is dumped into the exhaust which may be good for some flames out the exhaust by it will also destroy your cat by overheating it. There is a reason why Toyota are using fuel-cut and not ignition cut.

Indeed, correct behaviour for a Toyota engine - the ECU is programmed this way. The thinking is that emissions are reduced by getting the engine up to speed by fast idling rather than running at a normal idle speed with a rich mixture for a longer time. Similar to the old fashioned choke, except that used a higher idle just to stop the engine from stalling, rather than for emissions. The modern engine could idle at low revs when cold if it wanted to without stalling, it just doesn't by design.

Need a bit more clarity on exactly which fans are coming on please. The radiator fans shouldn't be running but you could be mistaking other noises for this. The 2.5l engine in the 300h does tend to lose heat quite quickly if it isn't running, more so than the 3.5l engine in the 450h.

The RX doesn't have an aux in :o

I always felt the IS200 should have had a Toyota badge on it rather than a Lexus - certainly at the time it didn't fit in with the Lexus brand. The IS200 did have good handling though, making it fun to drive. The same cannot really be said for the the CT, it is just an Auris with different body panels and interior - it doesn't really fit in with the other vehicles in the range.

get a second opinion based on CO reading taken from the exhaust to check cat operation, not based on oxygen sensor readings. The upstream sensors could be faulty which cause the downstream sensors to trigger a cat below efficiency error.

I wouldn't do it. The 12v battery on Toyota/Lexus hybrid cars is very small so doesn't really have enough capacity to jump a standard car. You run the risk of spiking the car's internal systems. The hybrid battery would be fine but the 12v systems, such as all the ECUs could be damaged. This is unlikely but just not worth the risk.

Nearly all of Toyota's engine designs since early 2000s use chains rather than belts. These require no fixed servicing maintenance.

1656 is an open/short circuit meaning a wiring or OCV fault. In theory the ECU shouldn't get this type of error code wrong so it does point towards the valve being faulty. If there was something else wrong, with the valve timing or VVT controller, then it shouldn't be able to produce this error, it would give a less precise 1349 malfunction error. I'm still not sure I'd want to purchase a vehicle with a faulty VVTi system, just in case the valve has been disconnected to hide some other issue.

Hi Mel The series II is more refined compared to the series I, not to the LS standard but I think you would want a series II. The series II also has more power and a better transmission. I'd skip air suspension given the choice due to reliability issues, however that probably means missing out on the ML stereo and just making do with the standard Pioneer system.

Welcome Cindy :) Are you over in the US? If so check out our sister site: http://us.lexusownersclub.com

Both regular and essentials pricing has risen massively in the last 12 months, well above inflation. Also there seems to be a directive from Lexus telling the dealers not to compete with each other and offer discounts - certain not with advertising anyway but you may still be able to negotiate discounts when calling them.

Any new disc will update the firmware if you are running something older. For example the discs from around 2009/2010 will allow destination entry whilst the vehicle is in motion, and you should see an update message on the screen when you first put a new disc in. The firmware updates are minor however. Don't expect a UI change - those only occur when the Sat Nav hardware generation is changed with new vehicles.

This is normal Peter. Even if you turn off your heating and just use the electric seat heater you will still find the petrol engine cuts in without much throttle. It will still use electric power to assist the petrol engine though so you are getting benefit. Once the whole vehicle is warmed up, then you will find you can pull away gently without the petrol engine kicking in. If you come to a stop and find the petrol engine running you will typically find it is your heating that is keeping the petrol engine running. The 400h doesn't have an electric cabin heater so it keeps the engine running to keep the coolant hot. Turn off the heating/AC system and the engine will cut straight out.

Lexus launches 2015 with a new addition to its CT 200h line-up, the Advance Plus. As its name implies, it takes the specification of the Advance grade – well established as the most popular in the range – and adds even more features, at a high-value price. These extras include the debut of Lexus’s first two-tone paint finish. The on-the-road price includes either metallic paint, or (at no extra cost) a contrasting Velvet Black roof with Fuji Red, Ultra Blue, Sonic White or Sonic Titanium body. Advance Plus is the first CT model to adopt the new Sonic Titanium finish, a shade that has proved an immediate hit with customers for the new NX 300h crossover, and is also the only version available in Celestial Black. Where the two-tone design is selected, the CT’s stand-out style statement is increased with an F Sport roof spoiler. All versions are fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with dark silver finish – in a design exclusive to the Advance Plus – and a sunroof. In the cabin the seats feature a fabric and Tahara upholstery combination that is also exclusive to the model grade. All these elements are in addition to standard features that have already made the CT 200h Advance so popular, including front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry, cruise control, heated front seats and the Lexus Navigation system with Remote Dial control. The extra value for customers is particularly strong, with the new model priced at a premium of only £1,250 more than the Advance. On sale now, the new Advance Plus costs £25,495 on the road. The attraction of the Advance Plus’s style and equipment is strengthened by Lexus quality throughout and the exceptional smoothness, refinement, efficiency and lasting reliability of its hybrid system. The value enjoyed by customers in the sale price is mirrored by lower ownership costs. CO2 emissions figures of 94g/km secure exemption from annual road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) and the CT 200h delivers good fuel economy, supported by the hybrid system’s ability to optimise use of its electric motor, for example when driving in slow-moving city traffic, switching automatically to its EV mode.

I don't believe this is possible.

The software is Toyota's official diagnostic tool. Obviously if you were to purchase from eBay and use you would be doing so illegally. The easiest way to obtain legally would be to subscribe to Lexus' online service, the 1 year sub includes the software for around £2000 + VAT. http://www.lexus-tech.eu/OnlineSubscriptions.aspx

I guess technically 50 mpg is possible given that the current RX is rated at 45 mpg. If the rumours are true the new RX will use a forth generation hybrid system, and Toyota try and achieve at least a 10% gain between each generation. Obviously the reality is different. The current RX450h gets no where near 45 mpg for most drivers.

It turns out it uses a different engine. It seems the IS engine isn't designed to be fitted transversely in the engine bay. The NX is using the same engine as the front wheel drive ES300h in the states.

looking at your photo I'd say it falls somewhere between diagram 2 and 3 on the TSB which according to Lexus doesn't require their replacement.

1 - No, just the rear view camera. I believe parking sensors were just a dealer accessory rather than a factory option. 4 - The Soarer probably had a Pioneer or Fujitsu-Ten system which would be equivalent to the standard SE audio system. An ML system is a step up in terms of audio quality. The RX ML system is 11 speakers, including a centre dash speaker, and 210 W digital amplifier with DSP sound processing and 7 channels for surround sound. The head unit is essentially the same across the range but with DVD playback. The RX lacks a dedicated sub. 5 - Yes on ML systems 2006 onwards.